LitLearn Student Interview: Karishma Lachhwani

Today we interview our lovely LitLearn student Karishma Lachhwani, who started the Analysis Bootcamp for IB English in October 2016. In this interview, we get to know a bit about Karishma and how LitLearn has transformed her into an absolute IB English machine.

So sit down, grab a coffee and enjoy the read 🙂

Hi Karishma, can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where are you from, where do you go to school, and what are your hobbies (assuming you still have time in the IB, of course)?

Karishma:I’ve lived in Abu Dhabi for the past three years. I initially enrolled in a British school because I wanted to try it out, and I was there for two years. As a result, I’ve completed the GCSEs and am also familiar with A-levels, however, I knew that IB was something I wanted to do, so I switched schools.

Currently, I go to the American Community school of Abu Dhabi, and my IB subjects are HL Chemistry, Mathematics, and Economics, and SL Spanish, English Language and Literature, and Biology… if you can’t already tell, I’m more of a science/math person. I sit my exams in May 2018.

I really love to read, draw, play piano, play soccer, boxing, yoga, and I’m also an avid podcast listener!

How has LitLearn improved your IB English skills?

Karishma:The course really breaks down exactly what analysis is. The diamond is also genius. (The diamond is a unique analysis method taught in the Analysis Bootcamp).Nobody ever explained analysis to me in that way before.

Also, the course gives lots of EXAMPLES of good analysis, it isn’t just guidelines. These analysis examples have allowed me to see exactly how to implement the tips you give. And of course, the feedback on what I have written is really helpful, so thank you!

[Jackson] walks you through exactly how he would approach a poem or prose

Also, the exemplary analysis is annotated, so you know how each word and phrase in that particular example is contributing to the writer’s purpose. The course also has plenty of videos featuring Jackson in which he walks you through exactly how he would approach a poem or prose extract.

My favourite part of the course, however, is the LitLearn group on Facebook and the course assignments. After completing each homework assignment, I’ve posted my response on Facebook, and every single time, the LitLearn team has been incredibly swift in commenting on my work, and giving me extremely specific advice on how to improve it.

Why did you choose to join LitLearn’s Analysis Bootcamp for IB English?

Karishma: I was never really clear on what exactly analysis was. I’d read exemplar essays but I never fully understood what the exemplary work had that mine didn’t. So my essays were generally good, but I didn’t know why it sometimes scored better than other times…that is, until joining LitLearn!

If I hadn’t joined, I would still be in the maelstrom of frustration, anxiety…

What if you hadn’t decided to take the leap of faith and join LitLearn…what–5 months ago?

Karishma:If I hadn’t joined the Analysis Bootcamp, I would still be in the maelstrom of frustration, anxiety, inconsistent marks, and sorrow. I’m just kidding, but I wouldn’t feel as confident about my work in IB English.

And finally, why should other IB students join the LitLearn course?

Karishma:So that they too can find enlightenment, and of course get better marks in IB English! (That’s important, too.)

Interested in the Analysis Bootcamp for IB English?

If you’d like to find out more about the LitLearn Analysis Bootcamp for IB English course, visit the course page here. If you’d like some extra information on whether the course is the right resource for you, feel free to email jackson@litlearn.com.

The Analysis Bootcamp for IB English is the ultimatecourse that teaches you how to analyse IB English the right way. The lessons, techniques and (oh, yes) secrets that you learn in the course have been tried and tested, and even helped Jackson Huang, your IB 45 course instructor, snatch a 20/20 for his Paper 1 exam.

The Analysis Bootcamp is the most in-depth general analysis course that every IB English student needs, with a focus on IB English Paper 1. Jackson distills five years of experience with IB English into several entertaining video tutorials and a written guide that will equip you with the tools and skills to conquer IB English.

A strong mastery of literary analysis is the #1 skill that IB English students lack. It’s the only thing holding you back from a 7 in IB English. Not convinced? Learn why you cannot ignore analysis in my data-backed, IB English blog post.